Sitting of Thursday, 8 January 2026
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23118 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
Order of business
Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.
- 1 Opening Parliament Opening 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Papers Presented 7 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions Presented 3 speeches
- 4 Procedural Procedural Matters and Points of Order 31 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Questions to Ministers (Q.117/2024-(2) through Q.1715/2025) 55 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Questions to Ministers (Q.1664/2025 through Q.1719/2025) 27 speeches
- 7 Oral question Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Ministerial Statements 27 speeches
- 8 Debate Motor Traffic Act Regulations Debate 66 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB
AI summary Moved approval of the Motor Traffic (Drugs) Regulations, No. 1 of 2025, and presented related Motor Traffic Act regulations, stating that they create procedures for testing drivers suspected of drug impairment where previous rules covered only alcohol. He said police may refer suspected drivers to authorised medical officers for examination and obtain bodily samples, and noted plans to use mobile laboratory buses at bus stands for rapid, free drug testing in coordination with health authorities, police, local officials and transport bodies. He also introduced Motor Traffic (Expressway) Regulations linked to seat belt requirements and road safety on expressways.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka supported the proposed regulations under the Motor Traffic Act, including mandatory rear-seat belts on expressways, stronger drunk-driving measures, and school transport safety rules, citing fatal road accidents as a major public safety concern. He urged clearer and more consistent enforcement, referring to confusion over past policing measures and the “Clean Sri Lanka” transport-related campaign. He also called for Government action on disputes between app-based and independent hire vehicles in tourist areas, unresolved vehicle number-plate issuance despite earlier assurances, timely implementation of Budget transport allocations, and restoration of rural bus services disrupted after recent storms.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri supported the regulations, emphasizing the need to address driving under the influence of drugs amid high accident rates and large narcotics seizures in 2025. He linked road safety to rural road deterioration and detailed road and bridge development projects in Polonnaruwa, including reduced contract costs for several bridges and over Rs. 1.768 billion spent in 2025. He also cited 2025 economic and tourism achievements, including tourist arrivals, remittances, government revenue, Customs revenue and exports, and noted the launch of 76 rural road projects in January 2026 with a Rs. 5 billion allocation.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan raised transport concerns in Batticaloa during the debate on Motor Traffic Act regulations, alleging bribery issues in traffic enforcement and detailing revenue and capacity losses after changes to the “Paadum Meen” rail service. He requested reinstatement or augmentation of former rail facilities and restoration of the previous Colombo–Batticaloa timetable to improve passenger use and revenue. He also asked relevant Ministers to examine alleged unfair selection in kabaddi, strengthen Wildlife Department capacity to address human–elephant conflict in Batticaloa, consider allowing small tractors to haul beach seines in fisheries, and review concerns over university appointments and Dean selections.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena - Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena supported the Motor Traffic Act regulations on road safety, noting that overall reported accidents declined from 25,299 in 2024 to 22,153 in 2025, but fatal accidents rose from 2,403 to 2,583, with pedestrians and motorcyclists the most affected groups. He also highlighted fatalities and collisions involving trains, including vehicle-train and elephant-train incidents, and said the Ministry is taking mitigation measures. He outlined 2025 road safety investments of Rs. 140.084 million and 2026 allocations including Rs. 750 million for road safety and traffic management and Rs. 540 million for traffic light systems, covering school, hospital, township and hazardous locations, barriers, signs, fencing, illumination and related safety infrastructure.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda supported the Motor Traffic Act regulations but urged clearer procedures for drug-impaired driving cases, including testing timeframes and chain-of-custody safeguards for samples. He raised grievances of Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau employees over overtime, allowances, bonuses, and access to diplomatic postings, and called for intervention on reduced South Korean EPS departures and pending contracts for qualified candidates. He also asked for inquiries into alleged unfair principal transfers in Galle District and protested the exclusion of Opposition local authority chairmen from a district progress review meeting.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera supported the transport-related regulations and highlighted the high incidence of road deaths and injuries linked to alcohol and drug-impaired driving, drawing on his medical experience in emergency and neurosurgical care. He called for stronger road-user discipline, improved visibility of road signs by addressing billboards and visual clutter, and safer school access arrangements where gates open onto main roads. He argued that combining legal measures, infrastructure changes and behavioural change could substantially reduce annual road fatalities and injuries.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB
AI summary Supported Motor Traffic Act regulations aimed at improving public safety, while raising district-level concerns regarding the Kurinchakeni Bridge ferry service in Kinniya. Requested a 20-metre jetty and additional staff so the ferry, on which about Rs. 70 million has been spent, can operate effectively. Objected to the reported transfer of land in Upparu, Kinniya, originally identified for an Eastern Province technical college under a 2017 Cabinet decision and 2018 Budget allocation, to the Tourism Ministry under a 2025 Cabinet decision. Urged the Government to resume and complete the vocational education institute at the intended location, and called for an end to the alleged politicization of local administration through “Prajā Shakthi” units, emphasizing respect for elected local representatives.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi supported regulations aimed at improving road safety, citing 13,714 deaths from fatal accidents between 2020 and June 2025 and attributing many crashes to driver negligence and substance use. He said road accidents impose major economic costs, including health, infrastructure and GDP losses, and called for legal reforms, enforcement and responsible driving. He also responded to criticism over “Ditva” disaster relief in Nuwara Eliya, detailing completed and ongoing payments for affected residents, schoolchildren, cultivations, industries, roads, transport services, schools and housing reconstruction.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Prof.) Chrishantha Abeysena - Minister of Science and Technology JJB
AI summary Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena moved that Hon. Chanaka Madugoda take the Chair. The House agreed to the motion, after which the Deputy Speaker left and Hon. Chanaka Madugoda assumed the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera supported the regulations but raised concerns over the Lakvijaya coal procurement tender, alleging altered tender conditions, substandard coal imports, and losses of about Rs. 100 billion, and said the Parliamentary Energy Subcommittee would investigate responsibility. He also called for transparency and due process in judicial appointments, transfers and promotions, referring to BASL concerns and urging that the Opposition’s proposal for a Special Parliamentary Committee be placed on the Order Book. He marked the 17th anniversary of Lasantha Wickrematunge’s assassination and urged the Government to deliver justice in the case.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe JJB
AI summary Contributing to the debate on two regulations under the Motor Traffic Act, Dr. Sandaruwan Madarasinghe said the Government was pursuing justice over the Lasantha Wickrematunge assassination without political interference. He outlined road and bridge development allocations and ongoing works in Hambantota, including RDA, Southern Provincial Road Development Authority, and district-level projects, while criticizing district Opposition MPs for not attending transport coordination meetings. He argued that drug use among drivers is a preventable cause of road accidents, cited accident statistics from 2023 to November 2025, and said regulations, enforcement, awareness, and mobile medical screening by the National Transport Medical Institute are being used to address the issue.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB
AI summary J.C. Alawathuwala supported regulations under the Motor Traffic Act targeting narcotics-related driving, arguing that immediate testing, strict enforcement, and protection for Police are necessary to reduce accidents involving alcohol, drugs, fatigue, and untrained drivers. He called for improved road infrastructure and traffic controls, including functioning traffic lights and visible stop signs, with action by road and local authorities. He also raised concerns about worsening poverty and post-cyclone relief, saying current assistance is insufficient and urging clear housing and resettlement plans, as well as an international aid conference to mobilize wider support.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Sagarika Athauda supported the Motor Traffic Act regulations on driver obligations and expressway safety, linking them to the Government’s broader development agenda and completed rural road projects in Kegalle District. She argued that improved infrastructure must be matched by compliance from drivers, owners, pedestrians and the State, citing accident and fatality data from 2020 to 2025 to show that most crashes arise from preventable behaviour. She also noted transport sector reforms, including SLTB recruitment of drivers and conductors, the first intake of 25 female conductors, and plans to recruit women to suitable Railway grades.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Proposed that Motor Traffic regulations be enforced equally against government and non-government actors, alleging politically connected offenders evade action while Police officers are penalized. Raised concerns over the Government’s disaster relief response, saying commitments on housing compensation, resettlement, and support for affected MSMEs and industries remain unclear and delayed. Also questioned issues in education curriculum content, NMRA appointments and medicine regulation, alleged medicine smuggling, and long passport delays faced by Sri Lankans in Italy, urging ministerial action on these matters.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB
AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif supported stronger action against drug use, particularly enforcing laws against driving under the influence, and noted that police-led awareness and enforcement programmes are now being conducted in towns. He also addressed recent flooding in Gampola, disputing claims made by a Member from Mawanella and attributing the severity to poor drainage maintenance by former municipal authorities. He called for prioritizing proper flood mitigation measures in Gampola.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. K. Ilankumaran JJB
AI summary K. Ilankumaran supported the Motor Traffic Act regulations, arguing that saliva and blood testing for drugs such as ice, “GO/GH,” and cannabis would help police prove drug-impaired driving and reduce road accidents, which he linked to alcohol and narcotics use. He also welcomed digitized fine payments through GovPay as a means to record offences and identify violation hotspots. Referring to the Northern Province, he connected road accidents and youth drug addiction to unemployment, illegal sand mining, and lack of industry, and highlighted government initiatives including restarting the Elephant Pass saltern, laying the foundation for the Paranthan Chemical Factory, improving island ferry and road facilities, establishing a Neduntivu fuel station, and creating economic centres.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised administrative concerns relating to the Department of Motor Traffic, requesting that vehicle ownership transfers, revenue licence waiver letters, and related services be fully restored to regional offices to reduce delays, corruption allegations, and loss of revenue. He urged urgent resolution of the suspension of permanent number plate issuance, noting that many vehicles are using temporary paper numbers and calling for accountability over a previous contract he said increased costs substantially. He also raised concerns about vacancies and appointments in the English education administration, alleged irregularities in English module preparation, and requested investigations. Additionally, he questioned the involvement of organizations in sexuality and gender education content for minors, citing international standards on parental consent and safeguards.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dinesh Hemantha JJB
AI summary The Hon. Dinesh Hemantha linked the Motor Traffic Act amendments and regulations to a broader argument on sustainable development, stating that economic growth must be balanced with environmental and social responsibility, especially after recent disasters caused major economic losses. He said governments must take necessary decisions even when unpopular and called for consistent Opposition support for such measures. He also outlined disaster recovery work in Matale District, including rural road projects, restoration of damaged RDA roads, bridge reconstruction, land acquisition plans, and the deployment of a Bailey bridge, while stressing that disaster relief should not be politicized.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake said vehicle registrations are available online at five branch offices for all categories except 32, 64, 65 and certain “O/1/11” series, which he said are frequently used in fraud. He noted that even the Narahenpita Head Office does not offer one-day service for those categories and that an officer linked to such fraud had recently been transferred, stating that the restrictions are intended to prevent abuse.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP
AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman raised concerns over implementation of the announced Rs. 1,750 daily basic wage for estate workers, urging the Government to issue circulars or Gazette the wage, prevent increases to task norms, protect Sunday and holiday pay, and appoint a Labour Ministry monitoring committee. He also called for regulation of the expanding outgrower system to ensure consistent rates and EPF/ETF benefits, citing disparities across estate areas. Referring to recent storm and flood relief, he questioned whether all affected families in Nuwara Eliya had received the promised payments and asked for clarification on gaps in distribution. He further urged the Government and plantation companies to identify alternative land for displaced and unsafe estate families so donor- or government-funded housing could proceed with secure land rights.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB
AI summary Hon. Dewananda Suraweera supported the Motor Vehicles Intoxicants Regulations and Expressways Regulations, arguing that they are necessary to reduce road deaths and improve public safety in the transport sector. He framed the measures as part of the government’s broader effort to address inherited failures in transport, infrastructure and governance, while criticizing the Opposition for past mismanagement and for qualifying support for reforms. He also responded to references to Lasantha Wickrematunge’s murder, stating that the government had a mandate to pursue accountability for past abuses under the rule of law.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB
AI summary B. Ariyawansha supported the Motor Traffic Act regulations, citing the high number of road deaths and the need to reduce accidents caused by poor road conditions and negligent driving. He urged ministerial intervention over alleged corruption, mismanagement, service reductions, and procurement issues at SLTB depots in Ratnapura District, calling for a recovery plan to restore rural and long-distance bus services. He also requested improvements to dilapidated rural roads, better agricultural transport and cold-chain systems to reduce produce losses, and urgent action to protect wildlife around Sinharaja, particularly leopards killed by snares.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary A procedural motion was moved to have Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha take the Chair. The House agreed, after which Hon. Chanaka Madugoda left the Chair and Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB
AI summary Welcomed regulations under the Motor Traffic Act aimed at addressing drunk and drug-affected driving, arguing that road safety requires disciplined drivers and stronger enforcement beyond alcohol testing. Citing fatal accidents at Yangalmodara, Gerandialla, and a recent Kuliyapitiya school van crash, he also called for mandatory fitness and roadworthiness checks for buses, school vans, three-wheelers and other public transport vehicles. He outlined ongoing road development and expressway works, rural bus service initiatives, and post-cyclone road restoration in Kurunegala and neighbouring districts, thanking local and road development officials for rapid repairs.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe thanked the Transport Ministry, RDA and officials for restoring transport links after the recent disaster, and urged continued development of road and transport infrastructure in the Eastern Province. He requested that planning begin for a Batticaloa–Pottuvil railway extension, including through possible foreign funding, and tabled correspondence indicating that the Railways Department had not yet received such a proposal. He also called for further rural road and bridge improvements in Ampara, the immediate return of the Sainthamaruthu bus sub-depot from Kalmunai, and revival of the proposed bridge linking Muttur Vedathitivu–Majidpuram to address local transport hardships.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir
AI summary Welcoming the Motor Traffic Act regulations, he raised several transport and infrastructure issues in Puttalam District, including stalled bridge works on the Jayabima–Susānabhūmi and Kalpitiya–Muhaththuvaram roads, damaged culverts on the Karamba–Udappuwa road, and delays in the Iginimitiya water supply project. He requested upgrades to the rural Ayurveda hospital in Puttalam, relief and support for flood-affected communities and local industries, and an extension of the vehicle registration period from three to six months for importers facing slow sales. He also asked for allowances for public officers who worked during the cyclone and floods, and for permanent appointments to key administrative posts in Kalpitiya, including the Divisional Secretary, Police OIC and principal of Nirmala Matha Sinhala school.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB
AI summary Hon. Danushka Ranganath said the Ministry is addressing SLTB shortages in buses, spare parts, drivers, conductors and technical staff, including planned recruitment of mechanics, welders, auto electricians, engineers and machinists, while also reducing deficits and launching 40 new rural routes. He said the Motor Traffic Act regulations are part of efforts to modernize transport, improve safety, enforce expressway seat belt use, and strengthen action against drunk and drug-impaired driving. Citing 2024 and 2025 road fatality figures, he described road crashes as a major continuing problem and noted Ministry and RDA interventions to rebuild transport infrastructure damaged by recent natural disasters.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath supported the Motor Traffic Act regulations on detecting intoxicated drivers, mandating seat belts on expressways, and improving road safety, citing high fatalities and injuries from road accidents and calling for stronger enforcement, vehicle inspections, and removal of unfit vehicles. He urged improvements to public transport, especially in the North and East, including restoration of full Batticaloa rail services, reinstatement of capacity and AC coaches, and attention to possible service constraints linked to private transport interests. He also requested stronger SLTB services in Batticaloa, including repairs to the Valaichchenai depot, improved services to Vakarai, and a district-level plan through the District Development Committee to support poor and disaster-affected communities.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB
AI summary Welcoming two Special Gazettes under the Motor Traffic Act, the member said the regulations would enable testing and action against narcotic-impaired drivers and make seat belts compulsory for all seats on expressways. Citing national crash and fatality statistics from 2020-2025, he argued that reckless driving, pedestrian deaths and the economic cost of accidents require stronger enforcement, including zero tolerance for intoxicated drivers in public transport and school or office transport. He also said seat belts should be used at all times, not only on expressways, and outlined Gampaha District road allocations, restoration of non-viable bus routes, and efforts to make SLTB depots self-sustaining.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha moved a procedural motion proposing that Hon. Upul Kithsiri take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha vacated the Chair and Hon. Upul Kithsiri assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake urged the Government to prioritize public transport investment, including procuring more SLTB buses and using funds earmarked for 1,600 cabs to operate short buses on underserved routes, especially after cyclone damage. He criticized education reforms that require parents to fund costly smart boards, arguing this would burden less affluent schools despite links to a US$300 million programme. He also called for immediate changes to Foreign Employment Bureau rules limiting applications for Israel jobs, saying bureaucratic restrictions reduce opportunities and remittances, and urged lowering legal arrack prices to curb deaths from illicit liquor.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake indicated that he had concluded his key points and thanked the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Dinindu Saman Hennayake supported two Gazettes introducing mandatory seat-belt requirements on expressways, including rear seats, and procedures and penalties for drug-impaired driving, arguing that stronger enforcement is needed to reduce road deaths and address driver indiscipline. He cited fatal accident statistics, concerns about long-distance bus safety, and recent tragedies, while linking the regulations to broader transport discipline and public safety. He also outlined government allocations and post-cyclone recovery work on roads, SLTB depots, railways, irrigation schemes, and schools, stating that funds had been set aside for relief and that disaster management mechanisms had been reactivated after years of inactivity.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary The motion sought approval for regulations made under several sections of the Motor Traffic Act and published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2455/29 of 25 September 2025, which had been presented to Parliament on 18 December 2025. It was noted that Cabinet approval had been obtained, and the motion was agreed to.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
- 9 Adjournment Adjournment Motion: Child Safety in Urban Housing Complexes 10 speeches